Comparative study of two strains of chicken for broiler production. I - Fertility and hatchability related to egg weight / Estudo comparativo de duas linhagens de aves especializadas para produção de "broilers". I - Fertilidade e eclodibilidade relacionadas ao peso dos ovos

During the course of this study, 1,456 eggs laid by two strains A and B of chicken for meat production were classified in three egg weight groups I (51 55 g), II (56 60 g), III (61 65 g) , in order to determine fertility and hatchability. The fertility was estimated by candling on the eighteenth day of incubation. a Fertility The analysis of variance of fertility showed that the difference between the two strains (A = 88.1% and B = 88.8%) was not significant. With respect the egg weight groups, higher level of fertility occurred in class II (89.3%) while in group I and III, were obtained 87.8% and 88.1%, respectively. On the other hand, the correlation demonstrated statistical significance (r = + 0,56) between fertility and individual egg weight. b Hatchability Percent hatch of good chicks from fertile eggs were 93.8% and 89.3% for strains A and B , respectively. This difference, statistically significant, indicated therefore that the strain B produced more cull chicks 6.1% than strain A (2.7%). In relation to egg weight groups, the higher hatchability ocurred in the class III (93.7%). Aside from, it seems that group II (56 60 g) shows a strong tendency to produce higher hatch of cull chicks (6.9%) in relation to others egg weight groups (I = 3.9% and III = 2.7%). It appears also that incubator eggs localization did not affect the hat

No estudo em tela, 1456 ovos oriundos de duas linhagens de aves, aqui denominadas A e B , especializadas para produção de broilers , foram distribuídos em três classes de acôrdo com o pêso I (51 a 55g), II (56 a 60g) e III (61 a 65g) e incubados com a finalidade de estimarem-se os índices de fertilidade e eclodibilidade. a Fertilidade Quanto aos índices percentuais de fertilidade, registraram-se resultados pràticamente superponíveis ou seja, de 88,1 % e 88,8% para as linhagens A e B , respectivamente. Tal diferença, como era de se esperar, foi julgada não significante estatisticamente. Ao estabelecerem-se comparações entre graus de fertilidade e classes de ovos, abstração feita às linhagens, anotou-se o índice percentual de 89,3% para a classe II, ligeiramente superior aos obtidos nas classes I (87,8%) e III (88,19%). Por outro lado, a correlação verificada entre índices de fertilidade e pêso individual dos ovos, revelou-se estatisticamente significante (r = + 0,56). b Eclodibilidade Os índices de eclosão, estimados em relação aos ovos férteis, foram de 93,8% e 89,3% de nascimentos de pintos viáveis, respectivamente, para as linhagens A e B . Tal diferença, de significado estatístico, destacou que a linhagem B produziu maior percentual de refugos 6,1% quando comparada à linhagem A cujo índice de nascimento de pintos não viáveis, atingiu a cifra

Comparative study of two strains of chicken for broiler production. I - Fertility and hatchability related to egg weight / Estudo comparativo de duas linhagens de aves especializadas para produção de "broilers". I - Fertilidade e eclodibilidade relacionadas ao peso dos ovos

During the course of this study, 1,456 eggs laid by two strains A and B of chicken for meat production were classified in three egg weight groups I (51 55 g), II (56 60 g), III (61 65 g) , in order to determine fertility and hatchability. The fertility was estimated by candling on the eighteenth day of incubation. a Fertility The analysis of variance of fertility showed that the difference between the two strains (A = 88.1% and B = 88.8%) was not significant. With respect the egg weight groups, higher level of fertility occurred in class II (89.3%) while in group I and III, were obtained 87.8% and 88.1%, respectively. On the other hand, the correlation demonstrated statistical significance (r = + 0,56) between fertility and individual egg weight. b Hatchability Percent hatch of good chicks from fertile eggs were 93.8% and 89.3% for strains A and B , respectively. This difference, statistically significant, indicated therefore that the strain B produced more cull chicks 6.1% than strain A (2.7%). In relation to egg weight groups, the higher hatchability ocurred in the class III (93.7%). Aside from, it seems that group II (56 60 g) shows a strong tendency to produce higher hatch of cull chicks (6.9%) in relation to others egg weight groups (I = 3.9% and III = 2.7%). It appears also that incubator eggs localization did not affect the hat

No estudo em tela, 1456 ovos oriundos de duas linhagens de aves, aqui denominadas A e B , especializadas para produção de broilers , foram distribuídos em três classes de acôrdo com o pêso I (51 a 55g), II (56 a 60g) e III (61 a 65g) e incubados com a finalidade de estimarem-se os índices de fertilidade e eclodibilidade. a Fertilidade Quanto aos índices percentuais de fertilidade, registraram-se resultados pràticamente superponíveis ou seja, de 88,1 % e 88,8% para as linhagens A e B , respectivamente. Tal diferença, como era de se esperar, foi julgada não significante estatisticamente. Ao estabelecerem-se comparações entre graus de fertilidade e classes de ovos, abstração feita às linhagens, anotou-se o índice percentual de 89,3% para a classe II, ligeiramente superior aos obtidos nas classes I (87,8%) e III (88,19%). Por outro lado, a correlação verificada entre índices de fertilidade e pêso individual dos ovos, revelou-se estatisticamente significante (r = + 0,56). b Eclodibilidade Os índices de eclosão, estimados em relação aos ovos férteis, foram de 93,8% e 89,3% de nascimentos de pintos viáveis, respectivamente, para as linhagens A e B . Tal diferença, de significado estatístico, destacou que a linhagem B produziu maior percentual de refugos 6,1% quando comparada à linhagem A cujo índice de nascimento de pintos não viáveis, atingiu a cifra

Effect of dietary protein and methionine levels on forced molt performance of laying hens / Efeito dos níveis de proteína e de metionina da dieta sobre o desempenho de galinhas poedeiras após a muda forçada

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with two protein levels (16.5% and 14.5%) and 5 supplemental methionine levels (0%, 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075% and 0.100%) on postmolt layer performance. Two hundred forty commercial laying hens at 67 wk of age were induced to molt by zinc oxide and fed ten molt experimental diets for 6 wk. At the end of the experiment body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion were significantly higher for the birds fed the 16.5% crude protein diet. Hens fed higher protein level diet returned to egg production faster than those birds fed lower protein diet. Rations with 16.5% of protein determined a significant better egg production until the fifth experimental week, without affecting the egg weight. The methionine supplementation significantly increased egg weight, however did not statistically influence the egg production. Birds fed approximately 300 mg methionine daily (0.050% and 0.075% supplemental methionine levels) produced eggs significantly heavier, however resulting in a low egg shell quality measured by egg specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight.

O presente experimento foi conduzido no sentido de estudar o efeito de dois níveis de proteína (16,5% e 14,5%) e de 5 teores suplementares de metionina (0%, 0,025%, 0,050%, 0,075% e 0,100%) sobre o desempenho de galinhas poedeiras submetidas a muda induzida com óxido de zinco. Duzentas e quarenta galinhas de linhagem comercial com 67 semanas de idade foram alimentadas por 6 semanas com 10 dietas experimentais para avaliação do desempenho. Ao final do experimento, o consumo e a conversão alimentar foram significativamente melhores para as aves que receberam dietas contendo 16,5% de proteína. Estas mesmas aves retornaram mais precocemente à produção de ovos que aquelas alimentadas com dietas contendo 14,5% de proteína. Rações contendo 16,5% de proteína proporcionaram aumento significativo nos índices de postura das aves até a 5ª semana experimental, sem contudo afetar o peso do ovo. A suplementação de metionina à ração aumentou de forma significativa o peso dos ovos, porém não teve influência estatística na taxa de postura. Aves que consumiram ao redor de 300 mg de metionina por dia (0,050% a 0,075% de metionina na ração) produziram ovos significativamente mais pesados, porém apresentaram baixa qualidade de casca (gravidade específica, espessura e peso da casca).

Effects of cholestyramine and lovastatin upon plasma lipids and egg yolk cholesterol levels of laying hens / Efeitos da colestiramina e da lovastatina sobre os lípides plasmáticos e teores de colesterol da gema do ovo de galinhas poedeiras

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cholestyramine and lovastatin, lipid-lowering agents, upon egg quality, reproductive performance, plasma lipids and egg yolk cholesterol levels of Shaver laying hens. Twenty-six-weeks-old hens were fed basal diet without animal products containing 0.2% cholestyramine (COL1), 0.3% cholestyramine (COL2) or 0.005% lovastatin (LOV) for 6 weeks. It was observed that the supplementation of the drugs did not impair albumen and shell quality. Hen performance was not adversely affected, with the exception of the significant reduction (p 0.05) in egg weights. No significant changes were observed on plasma lipids, and egg yolk cholesterol remained unchanged with the addition of the drugs.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos da colestiramina e da lovastatina, drogas hipolipemizantes, sobre a qualidade do ovo, desempenho das aves, teores de lípides plasmáticos e de colesterol na gema do ovo de galinhas poedeiras Shaver. Aves com 26 semanas de idade receberam como alimentação dieta formulada sem ingredientes de origem animal (COM) acrescida de colestiramina a 0,2% (COL1) e 0,3% (COL2) e lovastatina a 0,005% (LOV) durante 6 semanas. A adição das drogas não prejudicou a qualidade da casca e do albúmen dos ovos. De um modo geral, o desempenho produtivo das aves não foi afetado, com exceção da redução observada no peso médio dos ovos. Não foram observadas mudanças nos teores de lípides plasmáticos das aves e a concentração de colesterol na gema permaneceu inalterada mediante a adição das drogas.

Survey on the mineral elements - copper and molybdenum -in forages from areas of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Concentração de cobre e molibdênio em algumas plantas forrageiras do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul

This paper is handling about a survey made about copper and molybdenum levels in four grasses - Colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf), Pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent) and Angolinha (Eriochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitchc) - collected monthly at the city of Brasilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. The Colonião grass showed copper levels of 3.33 ppm and 4.76 ppm respectively for the rain and dry seasons. The Jaraguá showed mean values of 3.77 and 3.85 ppm, the Pangola 4.36 and 4.50 ppm and the Angolinha grass 4.24 and 4.95 ppm respectively in wet and dry seasons. On the other hand, molybdenum was found in levels of 13.85 and 13.2 ppm for Colonião, 14.4 and 12.5 ppm for Jaraguá, 11.7 and 14.5 ppm for Pangola and 13.0 and 11.3 ppm for Angolinha, respectively in rain and dry seasons. There were no significant differences in copper and molybdenum contents between grasses during the 12 months of sampling.

Foi realizado um levantamento sobre as quantidades de cobre e molibdênio contidas em quatro gramíneas - Capim colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf), Pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent) e Angolinha (Eriochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitchc) - colhidas mensalmente durante um ano, no município de Brasilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Os valores médios encontrados foram, para o cobre: 4,46 e 3,63 para o capim Colonião, 4,13 e 3,50 para o Jaraguá, 5,21 e 3,65 para o Pangola e 5,10 e 4,09 para o Angolinha, respectivamente na época das "águas" e das "secas". Para o molibdênio, os valores médios encontrados foram de 14,43 e 12,65 para o Colonião, 13,03 e 13,83 para o Jaraguá, 12,33 e 13,20 para o Pangola e 12,45 e 12,88 para o Angolinha, respectivamente nas épocas das "águas" e das "secas". Não houve diferenças consideradas significativas entre capins tanto para o cobre como para o molibdênio, no período de 12 meses de colheita.

Effect of fish oil added to the diet on performance, blood plasma lipids and egg yolk cholesterol of laying hens / Efeito da adição de óleo de peixe à dieta sobre o desempenho e níveis de lípides plasmáticos e de colesterol no ovo de galinhas poedeiras

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fish oil upon egg quality, production, plasma lipids and egg yolk cholesterol levels of laying hens. 89-week-old hens were fed diets containing 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% fish oil for 5 weeks. It was observed that the addition of 1% to 4% fish oil to the diet reduced egg weight, but did not affect feed conversion. Albumen and shell quality was not impaired by the supplementation of fish oil to the diet. No significant changes were observed on plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and egg yolk cholesterol content was not affected by the addition of fish oil.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos do óleo de peixe sobre a qualidade do ovo, desempenho das aves, teores de lípides plasmáticos e de colesterol na gema do ovo de galinhas poedeiras. Aves com 89 semanas de idade receberam como alimentação ração acrescida de óleo de peixe bruto a 0,5%, 1%, 2%, 3% e 4% durante 5 semanas. A adição de 1% a 4% de óleo de peixe à dieta provocou redução no peso dos ovos, sem influenciar a conversão alimentar. A qualidade da casca e do albume não foi alterada pela suplementação de óleo de peixe à dieta. Não foram observadas alterações nas concentrações de triglicérides e de colesterol plasmáticos, e os teores de colesterol na gema do ovo não foram afetados pelo óleo de peixe.

The effects of air temperature and relative humidity in climatic chamber on the growth and carcass composition of swine from weaning to slaughter / Estudo da temperatura do ar e umidade relativa vigentes em câmara climática, sôbre o crescimento e características das carcaças em suínos, desde a desmama até o abate

The performance in terms of rate of gain, food conversion efficiency and carcass quality measurements was studied in pigs held under the artificial conditions of a climatic chamber at constant air temperature 81,7F (27,6C). At weaning the male animals were paired for breed, weights and allocated to the two treatments and then were housed in individual yards. Feeding was carried out twice daily, in individual feeding crates and any feed refused was weighed and recorded. Water was constantly available and recorded as well. The live weight of the pigs was registered once a fortnight and the rations adjusted accordingly. The experimental period lasted 107 days. After reaching about 180 lb (82 kg) of body weight, the pigs were weighed and starved during 24 hours and slaughtered the next morning. After weighing the hot carcasses, they were cooled at 2C until next morning and then re-weighed and measured. The killing out percentages were calculated on the basis of live weight and the hot carcass weight. The results of the experiment are described separately according to: a) rate of gain, food and water intake and conversion efficiency; b) live weight and carcasses measurements related to the air temperature and relative humidity; c) effects of the air temperature and humidity on the body temperature, respiratory and pulse rates. Analysis of variance was carried out for live weight

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Survey on the mineral elements in forages pangola grass (digitaria decumbens, stent) and napier grass (pennisetum purpureum, schum) from restricted areas of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Levantamento dos elementos minerais em plantas forrageiras pangola (digitaria decumbens, stent) e napier (pennisetum purpureum, schum) de áreas delimitadas do estado de São Paulo

The article has no abstract.

O artigo não apresenta resumo.

Survey on the mineral elements in pasture plants produced in restricted areas of São Paulo state Brazil. Iv zinc / Levantamento dos elementos minerais em plantas forrageiras de áreas delimitadas do estado de São Paulo. IV zinco

The present experiment was undertaken to compare zinc concentrations in the tops of the pasture plants Colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapfj and Gordura (Melinis minutiflora) three of the main forage species grown on restrict areas at the hinterland of São Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were collected according with four types of soil, in dry and wet seasons in July and January, respectively, in order to find out the concentrations of this element. An analysis of the variance of zinc contents in the whole tops showed that the three grasses differed no significantly but there were significant differences between dry season (65 p.p.m.) and damp season (40 p.p.m.). As the seeds have a high amount of zinc, it seems that this fact has had the greatest influence in determining these wide differences between seasons, once the pasture plants presented different stages of development of their seeds at the harvest. The mean zinc concentrations in dry season 60 p.p.m. (Panicum maximum), 69 p.p.m. \ Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and 66 p.p.m. (Melinis minutiflora) and in wet season 37 p.p.m. (Panicum maximum), 36 p.p.m. [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and finally, 48 p.p.m. (Melinis minutiflora) emphasized the very low variation in zinc levels among grass species. The very important role of this element in forage pastures and its relationships w

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Survey on the chemical composition in pasture plants produced in restricted areas of São Paulo, Brazil / Levantamento da composição química em plantas forrageiras oriundas de áreas delimitadas do Estado de São Paulo

A study was conducted in order to determine the chemical composition of pasture plants Colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and Gordura (Melinis minutiflora), largely spread in areas of São Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were collected in various counties, according with four types of soil, in dry (July) and wet (January) seasons. The results showed that the highest crude protein contents were obtained in Panicum maximum (Colonião) that differed, significantly in relation to Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf (Jaraguá) and Melinis minutiflora (Gordura or Molasses grass). However, the three grasses showed a higher increase of this component during damp season. In relation to the crude fiber, the forages Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf and Melinis minutiflora had lower amounts of it as compared to the Panicum maximum but, in dry season, the three pasture plants presented higher levels of this nutrient. On the other hand, the fat (ether extract) contents showed no differences between seasons, but the Molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora) exhibited higher richness of it whose average differed, significantly in confront with the Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf and Panicum maximum. There was a decided difference in the amount of ash as the highest values were atributed to the Panicum maximum and Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf but the three pasture plants r

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Survey on the chemical composition in pasture plants produced in restricted areas of São Paulo, Brazil / Levantamento da composição química em plantas forrageiras oriundas de áreas delimitadas do Estado de São Paulo

A study was conducted in order to determine the chemical composition of pasture plants Colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and Gordura (Melinis minutiflora), largely spread in areas of São Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were collected in various counties, according with four types of soil, in dry (July) and wet (January) seasons. The results showed that the highest crude protein contents were obtained in Panicum maximum (Colonião) that differed, significantly in relation to Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf (Jaraguá) and Melinis minutiflora (Gordura or Molasses grass). However, the three grasses showed a higher increase of this component during damp season. In relation to the crude fiber, the forages Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf and Melinis minutiflora had lower amounts of it as compared to the Panicum maximum but, in dry season, the three pasture plants presented higher levels of this nutrient. On the other hand, the fat (ether extract) contents showed no differences between seasons, but the Molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora) exhibited higher richness of it whose average differed, significantly in confront with the Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf and Panicum maximum. There was a decided difference in the amount of ash as the highest values were atributed to the Panicum maximum and Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf but the three pasture plants r

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Survey on the mineral elements in pasture plants produced in restricted areas of São Paulo state Brazil. Iv zinc / Levantamento dos elementos minerais em plantas forrageiras de áreas delimitadas do estado de São Paulo. IV zinco

The present experiment was undertaken to compare zinc concentrations in the tops of the pasture plants Colonião (Panicum maximum), Jaraguá [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapfj and Gordura (Melinis minutiflora) three of the main forage species grown on restrict areas at the hinterland of São Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were collected according with four types of soil, in dry and wet seasons in July and January, respectively, in order to find out the concentrations of this element. An analysis of the variance of zinc contents in the whole tops showed that the three grasses differed no significantly but there were significant differences between dry season (65 p.p.m.) and damp season (40 p.p.m.). As the seeds have a high amount of zinc, it seems that this fact has had the greatest influence in determining these wide differences between seasons, once the pasture plants presented different stages of development of their seeds at the harvest. The mean zinc concentrations in dry season 60 p.p.m. (Panicum maximum), 69 p.p.m. / Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and 66 p.p.m. (Melinis minutiflora) and in wet season 37 p.p.m. (Panicum maximum), 36 p.p.m. [Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf] and finally, 48 p.p.m. (Melinis minutiflora) emphasized the very low variation in zinc levels among grass species. The very important role of this element in forage pastures and its relationships w

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Survey on the mineral elements in forages pangola grass (digitaria decumbens, stent) and napier grass (pennisetum purpureum, schum) from restricted areas of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Levantamento dos elementos minerais em plantas forrageiras pangola (digitaria decumbens, stent) e napier (pennisetum purpureum, schum) de áreas delimitadas do estado de São Paulo

The article has no abstract.

O artigo não apresenta resumo.

The effects of air temperature and relative humidity in climatic chamber on the growth and carcass composition of swine from weaning to slaughter / Estudo da temperatura do ar e umidade relativa vigentes em câmara climática, sôbre o crescimento e características das carcaças em suínos, desde a desmama até o abate

The performance in terms of rate of gain, food conversion efficiency and carcass quality measurements was studied in pigs held under the artificial conditions of a climatic chamber at constant air temperature 81,7F (27,6C). At weaning the male animals were paired for breed, weights and allocated to the two treatments and then were housed in individual yards. Feeding was carried out twice daily, in individual feeding crates and any feed refused was weighed and recorded. Water was constantly available and recorded as well. The live weight of the pigs was registered once a fortnight and the rations adjusted accordingly. The experimental period lasted 107 days. After reaching about 180 lb (82 kg) of body weight, the pigs were weighed and starved during 24 hours and slaughtered the next morning. After weighing the hot carcasses, they were cooled at 2C until next morning and then re-weighed and measured. The killing out percentages were calculated on the basis of live weight and the hot carcass weight. The results of the experiment are described separately according to: a) rate of gain, food and water intake and conversion efficiency; b) live weight and carcasses measurements related to the air temperature and relative humidity; c) effects of the air temperature and humidity on the body temperature, respiratory and pulse rates. Analysis of variance was carried out for live weight

O artigo apresenta resumo em inglês.

Effects of high supplemental dietary copper on laying performance, egg yolk cholesterol and blood plasma lipids / Efeitos de níveis de cobre suplementar na dieta sobre o desempenho produtivo, colesterol na gema e lípides no plasma sangüíneo de poedeiras comerciais

This study was conducted to determine the effect of high supplemental dietary copper on laying performance, egg yolk cholesterol and blood plasma lipids. One hundred and sixty laying hens were placed in cages, and 8 birds were grouped per replicate, in a total of 5 treatments. Hens were fed a commercial diet supplemented as copper sulfate with 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg of copper/kg for a period of 6 weeks. Egg weight, egg production, feed intake and feed conversion were not significantly affected by the supplemental copper up to 400 ppm. At 600 and 800 mg/kg copper significantly reduced egg weight, egg production and feed intake. Egg shell quality, estimated as egg shell weight (g and % of egg weight) and egg shell thickness, was significantly decreased only at the higher supplemental copper level (800 ppm). Plasma concentrations of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol showed an inversion relationship when excess of supplemental dietary copper was fed. At the level of 800 ppm copper determined a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides (705 mg/dL) and a significant increase in plasma HDL cholesterol (9.7 mg/dL) as compared to the control group (1,643 and 4.5 mg/dL, respectively). Egg yolk cholesterol calculated on original or dry matter basis was significantly increased by feeding the higher level of supplemental copper (800 ppm) showing values of 14.83 and 27.70 mg/dL, res

No presente estudo, foi verificado o efeito da suplementação de elevados níveis de cobre alimentar sobre o desempenho de galinhas poedeiras, níveis de colesterol na gema do ovo e de lípides plasmáticos. Foram utilizadas 160 galinhas poedeiras comerciais, perfazendo 5 tratamentos com 4 repetições de 8 aves, alimentadas por 6 semanas com dieta comercial (controle) ou suplementada com sulfato de cobre de modo a fornecer 200, 400, 600 e 800 mg de cobre/kg de dieta. A suplementação de cobre em níveis de até 400 ppm não afetou significativamente o peso e a produção dos ovos, o consumo e a conversão alimentar, no entanto, quando em teores de 600 e 800 mg/kg, determinou redução significativa no peso dos ovos, postura e consumo de alimento. A qualidade da casca, avaliada em termos de peso (gramas e % do peso do ovo) e espessura da casca, foi significativamente reduzida apenas com 800 ppm na ração. As concentrações plasmáticas de triglicérides e de colesterol HDL mostraram comportamento inverso em relação ao excesso de cobre suplementar. Em nível de 800 ppm, o cobre determinou, de forma significativa, diminuição dos triglicérides (705 mg/dL) e aumento do colesterol HDL (9,7 mg/dL) sangüíneos em relação ao grupo controle (1.643 e 4,5 mg/dL, respectivamente). Quando administrado na concentração de 800 ppm, o cobre determinou aumento significativo dos valores de colesterol no ovo, tanto exp